Difference Between Air Miles and Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

In the landscape of credit cards, a plethora of reward categories offer enticing benefits to consumers. Two prominent credit card contenders within this domain are Air Miles Credit Cards and Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards. Each category, as the names suggest, presents a distinct set of advantages tailored to specific preferences and travel aspirations.

While Air Miles Credit Cards prioritise the accumulation of travel points that can be redeemed for flights and other travel-related expenses, Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards provide exclusive entry to airport lounges and enhance one’s travel experience with comfort and convenience.

As consumers seek the optimal credit card for their lifestyle, understanding the disparities between these two categories becomes pivotal.

In this article, we will dive into the nuances that differentiate Air Miles Credit Cards from Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards to equip you with all the details to make informed choices aligned with your specific travel and lifestyle requirements.

What are Air Miles Credit Cards?

Air Miles are usually associated with airport loyalty programs that airlines in the UAE offer to frequent flyers. This reward category is exclusively designed to attract regular customers.

Every time a customer makes purchases from airlines providing such rewards, they get points called Air Miles. The user can redeem these Air Miles to get discounts on their ticket fare on the next trip or avail of a complementary air ticket.

There are multiple credit cards in the UAE that offer Air Miles as rewards when you, as a loyal airline customer, book air tickets using such a credit card. 

How Can You Earn Air Miles?

You can earn Air Miles on a credit card in the following ways - 

• Welcome Gift - Usually, credit cards offer complimentary Air Miles as a welcome bonus when you use the credit card for the first time. 
• Milestone Bonus - Some credit card companies offer Air Miles as a milestone bonus after you reach the minimum or the maximum cap of the purchase amount. 
• Accelerated Miles - Some credit card providers and banks also offer additional miles when you book a flight ticket through the bank's related platform. This way, you can also earn accelerated miles. 
• Air Miles Conversion - Some banks and credit card providers provide credit card reward points that can be changed into specific airline’s Air Miles. Before opting for this, it is advisable to check the rate of redemption and other factors.  

Types of Air Miles

Credit card Air Miles can be divided into the following categories -

• Co-branded Air Miles - These reward points are provided by airline co-branded credit cards. To redeem these Air Miles, you would need a free membership in the airline’s frequent flyer program. If you are not registered for the frequent flyer program, you can register for the same and link it to your credit card. You can then directly redeem the Air Miles when you book flight tickets with that airline. 
• Common Air Miles - These Air Miles are provided on the credit card in general. You can redeem these Air Miles across different airlines. 

What are Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards?

With an airport lounge access credit card, you can enjoy complimentary access to ample airport lounges across the globe. The access includes exclusive benefits including ergonomic waiting areas, access to facilities like food and beverages, spaces to work and unwind, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more.

While such a privilege is usually reserved for first and business-class flyers and frequent flyers, you can avail of the privilege even as an economy-class flyer if you have a credit card that offers access to airport lounges.

With this credit card benefit, you can also earn Air Miles that can be later redeemed for a rebate on flight fare. Additionally, you can also earn rebates on entertainment, dining, and shopping. 

How to Get Airport Lounge Access with Your Credit Card?

You can gain access to the airport lounge in different ways, based upon the type of card and the lounge network associated with it.

To gain entry to an airport lounge, consult the provided list from your card issuer to locate the lounge of your choice. As you approach the lounge entrance, be on the lookout for the check-in desk or an attendant who has the authority to grant access.

After contacting the said personnel, furnish your boarding pass and credit card. The attendant will then authenticate the eligibility of your credit card for lounge access by swiping it and examining the card's particulars to confirm your identity.

If all the necessary conditions are met, the attendant will authorise your entry into the lounge. Note that they might also furnish additional information or guidelines as per your requirements.

It is worth noting that credit cards offering airport lounge access come with a predetermined number of annual visits. For this reason, it's advisable to use the lounge benefits judiciously — you will be liable to cover the applicable fees once the entitlement expires.

Benefits of Airport Lounge Access Rewards

Discussed below are the major benefits of airport lounge access credit cards -

• Due to partnerships with airlines, individuals holding airport lounge credit cards can earn additional Air Miles when they use the card to book their tickets.
• For frequent travellers, the best airport lounge credit cards offer substantial cost savings. They provide an upgraded airport experience including various discounts and savings on airfare. These cards also grant bonus Air Miles, dining privileges, and entry to airport lounges.
• Certain airport lounge credit cards also feature insurance benefits such as financial coverage for accidents or protection against goods damage.
• With select airport lounge cards, you can enjoy a period of interest-free credit.
• Access to airport lounges is a prominent feature of lounge access cards. These cards provide exclusive priority passes and complimentary entry to lounges at numerous domestic and international airports. Within these lounges, you can indulge in luxury amenities such as serene and comfortable waiting rooms, free refreshments, Wi-Fi, hygienic shower rooms, spas, and even beds for extended layovers.
• Among the assorted advantages of airport lounge credit cards is the special exemption on various components of flight ticket prices. For instance, certain cards might offer waivers on fuel surcharges or meal reservations.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting an Airport Lounge Access Credit Card

When choosing an airport lounge access credit card, take into account the following aspects:

• Examine the range of lounges and airports included in the card's lounge program.
• Know that some credit cards might impose a charge for each visit to an airport lounge, whereas others might grant a specific number of complimentary visits annually.
• Consider that numerous credit cards providing airport lounge access come with an annual fee. Evaluate whether the advantages of the card outweigh the yearly fee and assess the duration for which you can enjoy the lounge access privilege.
• Search for credit cards that provide extra travel-related perks such as participation in a hotel loyalty program, priority boarding, or waived fees for checked luggage. These supplementary benefits can enhance the card's value, particularly if you travel frequently.

Difference Between Air Miles Credit Cards and Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

Air Miles credit cards are solely associated with traveller cards. Simply put, these particular cards are meticulously crafted for individuals who engage in frequent travel. They offer substantial advantages to those who journey often, enabling them to exchange accumulated miles for complimentary or reduced-rate flight tickets on a periodic basis, which results in great savings.

Credit cards offering access to airport lounges, on the other hand, are standard credit cards accompanied by an additional perk. These cards may or may not fall under the category of traveller cards. Rather than being an exclusive attribute, the inclusion of airport lounge access serves as an extra reward feature within these cards.

Which Type of Credit Card is Suitable for You?

Before selecting a credit card, it is crucial to examine yourself and your lifestyle closely. First, consider your expenses and income to determine the type of credit card that you need. Check if the interest rate is manageable in case you cannot pay on time, and make sure that your credit limit covers your monthly expenses.

Only after you have thought about these factors should you consider the card's rewards. If you are interested in a travel credit card, make sure you will actually use it and the associated Air Miles.

Remember, it is important to make an informed choice based on your financial situation and preferences.

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